Muslim residents in Bay Ridge say the NYPD presence in the neighborhood during the month of Ramadan has made observing the holiday easier.NYPD officials say

BAY RIDGE - Muslim residents in Bay Ridge say the NYPD presence in the neighborhood during the month of Ramadan has made observing the holiday easier.

NYPD officials say the police are on high alert during religious holidays and offer extra protection to all religious groups, especially during Ramadan because of the prayer schedule. Muslims pray five times each day, including in the early morning and late at night.

Police say additional patrols were first added during the month of Ramadan as a response to violence in the area of mosques after Sept. 11.